Fire Kills Elderly San Jose Man

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An 80-year-old man is dead after a fire ripped through his San Jose home. It happened on Park Sharon Drive near Branham Lane Sunday just before noon.

His wife escaped with help from a caregiver who pulled her to safety. But the flames spread too quickly for the caregiver to save the husband.

Firefighters say the elderly are especially vulnerable to house fires.

"What you see on TV when they're running through light smoke, that's not what really happens. In seconds you're overcome by smoke it's a searing burning feeling in your lungs. It overcomes you and you're done."

Firefighters agree every household should practice an exit plan every few months.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.